Human Smuggling

Information and statistics about human smuggling and illegal transportion of migrants worldwide. Data about the routes, prices and journey are collected from intelligence agencies, security reports and other public information sources.

Fake IDs are often including in the smuggling fees for undocumented immigrants who are smuggled from Mexico. While in the United States, undocumented immigrants are able to purchase fake identification from flea markets and other vendors for $75 to $300. Identity documents available for purchase include Social Security cards, Driver Licenses, and Green Cards.

The human smuggling industry in China charges people between $10,000 to $25,000 to purchase a fraudulent passport, and between $3,000 to $5,000 to alter the photo of a passport.

Source: National Institute of Justice, “Characteristics of Chinese Human Smugglers,” Research in Brief, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, August 2004, pg.7, (accessed: September 3, 2006).